“PRINCE VIGILIUS?” someone said from my doorway. “Yes, what is it?” I answered “Your father wants you in the throne room for a council meeting right away.” “That’s a first,” I mumbled. “What was that?” I shook my head. “Nevermind.” “Yes, your highness.” I flew down the entrance hall where I took a left turn into the familiar throne room. I took my place on the green throne to the left of Father’s. “Father,” I greeted him, “council.” I nodded to the members seated at the table before me. They grimmly nodded back in turn. “There is the matter,” Father continued from where he had been when I entered, “that we do not have Princess Maeryn to confirm this decision.” “What decision?” “You are to get married as soon as possible,” he said decidedly. “Impossible!” I stood. “She was betrothed to the prince of Albannak before me!” “How absurd! Why would they have agreed to the marriage anyway?” I shrugged. “There’s no clear way to tell unless we ask them.” “I see,” General Lambert replied. He didn’t look too convinced. “I saw them running out of the room on the night of the attack hand-in-hand.” “Could that be why they started the war?” Colonel Lee asked. “Possibly,” Father conceded. He stroked his chin with his fingers. “I am convinced,” I replied. “I do have a witness.” “Yes, alright. Who is it?” “Her name is Hana, and she’s in her room. She… she saved my life.” “Yes I remember her!” Father exclaimed. “She was quite a delightful young lady. Bring her in!” “Yes, your majesty,” the squire standing next to him said. Minutes of quiet ticked by. I tapped my foot on the floor, hoping to pass the time. “I say, where is that girl?” Count Wentworth asked. The other nobles opened their mouths to speak, looks of anger and agitation in their eyes. “Patience,” Father commanded. He and the rest of the nobles with good standing in the army who had started to protest fell silent. “Sorry it took me so long to get here, your majesty. There are a lot of halls,” Hana explained. “It’s quite alright, my dear,” Father reassured. “I know the palace has… many twists and turns.” He chuckled. Hana collected herself and curtsied. “What do you need me for?” “We need you to affirm the suggestion that Princess Maeryn of Simrieg is betrothed to Prince Edward of Albannak.” Edward? Isn’t it Peter? “Isn’t his name Peter?” I asked. “Peter? I know my own nephew, and his name is Edward.” He was a spy for sure. Hana’s eyes widened in realization of what Peter was. She nodded. “I can.” “How?”
Read ^ first! Lol I forgot that in chapter 46 :P ------------------------------------------------------------------------ “He and her were running out of the door together. He used to be my friend, but he was lying.” I growled, clenching my fists. The traitor— the spy. Whatever he is! Hana glanced at me, providing a small smile. I smiled broadly back, rewarded by odd looks from the fellow councilmen. She looked around as though she didn’t know what to think about the stares. She gaped for words as more people began to glance in her direction. “Should I go?” she asked. “No!” I blurted. All eyes turned toward me. I gulped, my face burning. “No,” Father asserted, “we still have questions.” “Yes, your majesty.” She curtsied. “What truly happened when you found out Peter was a spy for his country?” Count Wentworth accused. She took a deep breath. “I was in the hall at Wildwood Prep on the fifth floor. Zarola Rae Orchid Stewart was with me. The king of Albannak, also known as High Master Kieser was punishing her.” “Go on,” Father said when she paused. “He threatened me, and said he was the prince. I saw his crown.” My breath quickened. I gulped. “You knew already?” She nodded. “Yes, I’ve known since…” she trailed off, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I’ve known since I escaped from him.” “WHAT?” I stood. She nodded again and chose her words carefully. “The day I came here — the first time — I had escaped from Peter — Edward — after he kidnapped me.” “What did he say to you?!” “That he was the prince and was already betrothed.” “Anything else?” Father said. “He…” she hesitated. “He threatened me.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” I stepped closer to her. “That was why he threatened me. If I had told you, both of us would have been punished.” “He can’t punish a prince of an opposite country… or his belle.” I looked fondly into her eyes. She blushed and looked down. I was suddenly aware that the entire council was watching. That was a mistake… I thought. I turned around to face Father. He remained calm, although the veins in his hands stood out and anger was imprinted into the lines of his face. “Council dismissed,” he said through his teeth. I turned to leave, grinning at Hana. “Not you two,” he ordered. I took a deep breath. You didn’t mess with Father when he was angered. I didn’t say anything. Hana turned around, curtsying once more. “What do you need me for, your majesty?” “Stand there.” He pointed to a spot on the floor in front of him. Hana swiftly followed where his finger was pointing. I didn’t. “You too, don’t think you get out of it.” I bit my lip, holding back a protest. It would only make things worse. “Listen, I don’t care if you disagree with my standards and rules, but this… romance of yours has to stop. Even if Prince Vigilius ends up not marrying Princess Maeryn, Hana is just a commoner.” Hana let her head hang. “Of course, your majesty.” “No!” I countered. I wasn’t letting go of Hana so easily. “I’m not letting her go. No matter what, Hana and I will keep meeting up. We’d rather do it in front of your back, but if we have to, we’ll do it from behind.” Father rolled his eyes. “We’ll see.” -------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter -- EDWARD. What a jerk. I have renamed Hana's dad though, I thought Edward suited Peter as a prince better than Aston or Tristan -- two other names I thought might work. By the way... added stuff before this, um... M, you now have a character named after you :). I was running tight on characters for a second. -OREO
